Surface treatment means support arrangement



March 14, 1950 s. P. CHAPPEN SURFACE TREATMENT MEANS SUPPORT ARRANGEMENT Filed Oct. 18, 1948 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Avuavroe \S'TEPHE'A/EC'HAPPEA/ March 14, 1950 s. P. CHAPPEN 2,500,660

SURFACE TREATMENT MEANS SUPPORT ARRANGEMENT Filed 001.. 18, 1948 v 6 Sheets-Sheet S ikfikt qp i s. P. CHAPPEN SURFACE TREATMENT MEANS SUPPORT ARRANGEMENT Filed Oct. 18 1948 March 14, 1950 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 ATTORNEY March 14, 1950 s. P. CHAPPEN 2,500,660

SURFACE TREATMENT MEANS SUPPORT ARRANGEMENT Filed Oct. 18, 1948 e Sheets-Sheet 5 ATTORNEY Patented Mar. 14, 1950 SURFACE TREATMENT MEANS SUPPORT ARRANGEMENT Stephen P. Chappen, Carbondale, Pa.

Application October 18, 1948, Serial No. 55,081

16 Claims.

My invention relates to an apparatus for painting, sand blasting, steam cleaning, chipping, brushing r polishing surfaces and more particularly to an apparatus for performing these and similar surface treatment operations on ships, buildings, and the like.

An object of my invention is to provide an improved apparatus for performing the aforementioned operations on the exterior and interior surfaces of ships, buildings, and the like.

Another object of my invention is to provide an improved apparatus wherein the surface treatment means is adapted to be automatically moved vertically and transversely of the surface to be treated.

Yet another object of my invention is to provide surface treatment apparatus having improved means for automatically projecting the support for the surface treatment means a predetermined distance vertically of the surface to be treated when the said means reaches the limit of its travel transversely of said surface.

Still another object of my invention is to provide surface treatment apparatus constructed and arranged whereby the exterior surfaces of the hull portions of a ship, including bow and stern, and other irregular surfaces, may be painted or otherwise subjected to treatment while the ship is afloat.

A further object of my invention is to provide an improved apparatus for use in connection with the surface treatment of ships, buildings, and the like, designed to eliminate the necessity of using scaffolds, stagings, ladders, or similar temporary support devices, even though the treatment of irregular surfaces be involved.

A still further object of my invention is to provide improved portable apparatus for use in connection with the surface treatment of ships, buildings, and the like, wherein the surface treat ment means assembly is supported by a slidable and extensible support, the said means being adapted to move in a direction or plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of the support. either inwardly and outwardly, or in rotation and inwardly and outwardly.

With these and other objects in view, which may be incident to my improvements, the invention consists in the parts and combinations to be hereinafter set forth and claimed, and it is to be understood that my invention may be varied in construction, proportions and arrangements, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

In order to make my invention more clearly understood, I have shown in the accompanying drawings means for carrying the same into practical effect, without limiting the improvements in their useful applications to the particular constructions, which for the purpose of explanation, have been made the subject of illustration.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1. is an elevational view in perspective of the trackway and carriage arrangement of one form of my invention used to support the surface treatment means in desired position for performing surface treatment operations on a ship, building, or the like.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a bracket or clamp used to support the trackway on a rail such as the rail of a ship or the like.

Fig. 3 is a detail view of the arrangement for raising the support for the surface treatment means.

Fig. 4 is a detail view of the trip mechanism and feed device used to advance the support sections for the surface treatment means to operative supporting position.

Fig. 5 is a detail view of one end of a shaft provided in each support section.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the surface treatment means assembly.

Fig. '7 isa detail view showing a trip device and associated mechanism for projecting the surface treatment means support when the carriage reaches the limitjof its travel, lengthwise of the trackway.

Fig. 8 is an elevational view in perspective of the trackway and carriage arrangement of a second form of my invention.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the surface treatment means :assembly and is a continuation of Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a detail view of a part of the assembly.

Fig. 11 is a sectional view taken along the line ll-l| of Fig. 9 looking in the direction of the Fig. 16 is a sectional view taken along the line iii-l6 of Fig. 15.

Fig. 17 is a detail view, partly in section, of one of the clutch elements used in connection with the second form of my invention.

Fig. 18 and 19 illustrate supports which may be used in connection with either of the forms of my invention.

Fig. 20 illustrates a structure which may be applied to an outwardly or inwardly curving surface for use in connection with either of my devices; and

Fig. 21 is a detailed sectional view taken along the line 2 l2l of Fig. 20 looking in the direction of the arrows.

The apparatus of the present invention consists essentially of a trackway adapted to be horizontally supported in spaced relationship with re- I the apparatus disclosed herein, the trackway is adapted to be supported from the rail of a ship, rail of a building, or other means, and the extensible support means for the surface treatment means assembly comprises a plurality of unit sections adapted to be moved to operative supporting position, and extended a predetermined distance vertically of the surface being treated. when the carriage reaches the end of its travel fore and aft. The immediate support for the surface treatment means is slidably mounted at the end of the extensible support means, or at the base of the aforesaid assembly, and is adapted to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the extensible support means. In the modified form of the invention disclosed, the surface treatment means assembly is also rotatable about the axis of the extensible support means.

When the carriage is moved lengthwise of the trackway, a comparatively narrow band or strip of the surface is treated,'and after the carriage, reaches the limit of its travel, fore or aft, the

surface treatment means assembly support is projected a predetermined distance less than the width of the treated band or strip of the surface, whereby the surface is treated in successive overlap-ping strips as the carriage moves along the trackway. When it is desired to treat curved surfaces such as the hull and stern surfaces of a ship, the surface treatment means may be maintained a constant distance from the curved surfaces thereof through the medium of the slidable I for painting, or otherwise treating as indicated above, the walls and ceilings of oil storage tanks,

barns, silos, houses and otherbuildin'gs.

and 33 respectively, secured thereto.

Referring to the drawings and more particular to Fig. 1, the surface treatment means support arrangement comprises a pair of bars such as I-beams I, having tracks 2, or equivalent means, on or attached to the top flanged portions 3 of the beams. A carriage designated generally by numeral 4, adapted to be moved legnthwise of the trackway, comprises a rectangular member 5 having legs 6 provided with wheels or rollers 1 adapted to seat in the tracks 2. Movement of the carriage lengthwise of the trackway is effected by means of a drive arrangement comprising a belt 8, connected at one point to the carriage, pulleys 9 and 9' and motor 10. The motor is mounted upon a bracket or other suitable support H attached to the end of one of the beams, shaft l2 of the motor being connected through suitable gears I3 and I4 to the spindle [5 of pulley 9. Means, not shown, are provided for automatically reversing the motor or the driving gears associated therewith, when the carriage reaches the limit of its travel in the vicinity of the opposite ends of the trackway.

In order to accommodate the applicator support arrangement to desired units of length of the surface to be treated, the trackway and supporting beams are constructed and arranged for longitudinal adjustment. The end portion it of the support, for example, is designed for telescopic engagement with portion l'l. Suitable plates l8, formed with apertures l9, adapted to register with apertures 29, in the web portion of the I-beam, together with fastening devices 2|, are used to securely hold the parts in adjusted position. Belt adjustment is effected by means of the slidable support 22 of pulley 9, belt sections being added or removed as required. The surface treatment means support, as above described, is adapted to be positioned in the vicinity of deck level of a ship, for example, on the ships rail or other suitable support as will be later described, by means of clamp devices 23 attached at spaced points on the underside of the bottom flange portion of the inner I-beam. Brackets of the type shown in Fig. 2, comprising a base 24 adapted for attachment to the bottom flange of the outer I-beam, swivel joint 25, extensible arm 26 and'clamp member 21, designed for engagement with the hull of a ship, provide additional support for the trackway, in overhanging relationship with a hull portion of a ship.

Attached to the carriage and movable therewith is a housing or magazine designated generally by numeral 28, adapted to contain a plurality of unitary support members 29. The housing comprises vertical side pieces 30 and 3!, having top and bottom channeled members 32 The housing is rigidly attached to the carriage 4 by means of brackets 36 and 35, brace 35 and braces 3-1. In order to prevent accidental tipping of the carriage, due to theweight of the housing or magazine 28, wheels or rollers 38, attached to brackets 39, are provided. The rollers 38, as shown, are adapted to ride on the overhanging top flange portion of the inner 'beam. In the vicinity of the lower end of vertical member's! of the housing,

the base of channel member 33 is inclined downwardly as indicated at 33 (see also Fig. 14) and thence cut away to form an opening which registers with a chute member 40, through which support units 29 are'projected, as will be described hereinafter.

Referring to Fig. 6, the surfacetreatment means assembly comprises in this instance a spraygun designated generally by numeral 4|, pivotally mounted as at 42, to member 43, attached to a bar 44 adapted for sliding movement in a housing or casing 45, having a vertical hollow member 48, rigidly supported thereon by means of collars 41, and braces 48 and 49. The upper end portion of member 46 is reduced as at 50, and opposite faces of the member are provided with spring hooks 5! or other suitable fastening devices, the purpose of which will be described hereinafter.

Rotatably mounted within member 46 is a shaft 52 having a gear 53 keyed to its lower end, adapted for engagement with a rack 54 or the like projecting from the casing 45 through an elongated slot 55 and secured to the bar 44. It will thus be seen that when gear 53 is rotated, rack 45 and bar 44 to which the spray gun 4| is attached, moves lengthwise of the casing 45.

Under certain conditions of operation, it may be found necessary to extend the gun or other treatment device a substantial distance outwardly from the housing and, accordingly, additional sections 44' may be added. In order to counter-balance the weight of the spray gun or other treatment device, when in extended position, a suitable counter-weight 56 is provided. The weight, as shown, is supported by rollers 5? adapted to seat in a flanged member 58 positioned below the housing 45. A suitable cord 59 or other flexible member, threaded over pulleys ii, has its free ends attached to opposite faces of the weight. By means of this arrangement the weight is moved to counter-balancing position when the spray gun or other device is extended outwardly of the housing.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 6, the surface treatment means assembly is supported in operative position by inserting housing 46 in the chute member 4%, associated with the carriage 4, the reduced end 50 of member 46 being adapted to seat in the lower end of one of the unitary support members 29 contained within the magazine 28. When member 45 is thus positioned, the spring hooks 51 seat in apertures 6| formed longitudinally of the opposite faces of the support members 29. The magazine 28 is designed to contain a plurality of unitary support members 28, each unit being approximately 4 feet long. When the carriage is caused to move lengthwise of the trackway, the support sections are advanced a predetermined distance of the magazine 28 in the direction of the inclined surface 33' and the opening leading to the chute 40, by means of a feed screw 62 adapted to be actuated by a trip member 553 mounted on the trackway. When feed screw 52 is rotated a pusher bar arrangement 54', attached to member 65" which is in threaded engagement with the feeder screw, contacts the outside face of the endmost support section, and thus advances all of the sections within the magazine 28, in the direction of operative supporting position in the chute 40.

Referring to Fig. 4, it will be noted that the end of the feeder screw 62 is provided with an extension (54 having a ratchet wheel 65 and star wheel 55 attached thereto. Rotation of the feeder screw is effected by means of the star wheel which is adapted to contact members 61 of the trip device, as the carriage moves over the trip during its passage in one direction lengthwise of the trackway. The members 6'! are pivoted at 63', and pins 64 limit rotational movement of the members 81 in a clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 4. Springs 65' normally urge the members 61 into engagement with the pins 54'. Thus when the carriage is moved in one direction relative to the trip means 63, star wheel '66 is rotated to rotate the feeder screw 62. When the carriage is moved in the reverse direction, reverse movement of the screw is prevented Iby means of a dog 68 arranged to contact the teeth portions of the ratchet wheel, the members 61 pivoting more or less freely against the pressure of springs to move in a counterclockwise direction to permit star wheel 66 to pass thereover.

In order to project a support section 29 from the housing, trip means similar to the trip means 63 are supported by and provided at opposite ends of the trackway. Referring to Fig. '7, a trip device comprising four contact members and designated generally by numeral 69, is adapted to contact a star wheel "Ill attached to a rotatable shaft it supported in a bearing member 12, the shaft having a toothed wheel I3 keyed thereto. The toothed wheel is positioned so that a portion of its periphery extends into a slot or other aperture formed in one of the faces of the chute member, the teeth 14 of the wheel being adapted for engagement with apertures 15 formed in one of the faces of the housing of a support section. It will thus be seen that when the star wheel 10 contacts the trip device, wheel 73 is rotated and the support section is advanced from the housing.

Means are provided to check the downward drop of the support section, after it has been advanced, as above described, comprising a dog 16 pivotally mounted upon a bracket 1'! attached to the chute member. The lower end of the dog It is spring pressed outwardly by means of a coil spring 15 supported by a pin 16 connected to the chute 40, and rigidly connected to the dog I6 is an arm 78 provided with an outer upstanding portion it. A wheel 19 rotatably mounted in a bracket 19 provided with a supporting block 19" is pivotally connected to the portion 18' as by means of a bolt 86 and movement of the block 19' in a counterclockwise direction is limited by a pin 8!. k the wheel to an upright position. The wheel 19 is arranged to contact cam extension 80 secured to or associated with each end portion of one of the beams l. The end portion 8| of the pivotally mounted member 16 is adapted to seat in one of a plurality of recesses 82 formed longitudinally of the front face of the housing of the support sections 29, and spring 15' normally urges the end portion 8! to seating position. In one direction of movement of the carriage along the trackway, right to left, Fig. l, roller 19 contacts both members 80 causing the end 8! of member I6 to be withdrawn from the aperture in the housing, thus 00 freeing the support section for downward movement when wheel 13 is rotated by the trip device 59. In movement of the carriage in the opposite direction, roller 19 is moved downwardly about its pivot at the bolt 80' and the dog 1'6 is not withdrawn from the aperture in the section 29, counterweight 82 functioning to normally main tain the bracket 19' in upright position.

In the operation of the device, so far described, when the motor ill is operated, carriage 4 through the medium of belt 8 is moved back and forth over the trackway. When th carriage moves from left to right (Fig. 1) it passes over the trip devices at both the left and right ends of the trackway without actuating the feed mechanism (including the dog 16) for the surface treatment Counter-weight B2 normally urges means support, however, when the carriagepreturns to the leftfdog Hi ishactuated and) it contacts the trip device at. the right end of the trackway causing the vertical extension members '29 which are connected to the surface treatment means support, to extend a suitable distance from the magazine, thus enabling the spray gun or other treatment device to reach a new surface. When the carriage almost reaches the limit of its travel to the left of the trackway, dog 16 is again actuated and contact is, made with the trip at the left end of the trackway and the extension is again extended a suitable distance.

.Afterthe carriage 4 has moved from right to left and from left to right several times, the section 2 9 will have been dropped substantially throughout itslength, and if additional length is required for the surface treatment means support another section 29 is added so that a more distant surface can be reached by the surface treatment means. When the downward drive of the first extension member 2.9 has been substantiall completed, the next extension 29 has been moved within the magazine 28 into position whereby it will slide down the incline 33 into the chute All so that it automatically becomes rigidly :and securely fastened to the top length of the section which has-been projected from the magazine, by means of the spring hooks i engaging in the apertures 6|. The second vertical extension is thus brought into position ready for locking, by the feed screw 62 and associated feeder bar 84'', which moves a constant distance each time the first extension drops a suitable or desired distance. directed arms 31 is provided substantially midway of the member 3! to help guide the members .29 in their sliding movement down the incline 33'.

Referring to Fig. 5, it will be noted that the end of the shaft 52 within the tubing 46 is formed with a clutch gripping or hexagonal shaped end 83. The purpose of this arrangement is to assure proper contact between adjacent shafts 52 when the individual support sections 29 are moved into operative supporting position. Each of the extensions 29 is also provided with a shaft 52, rotatably mounted in bearings 85 (see also Fig. 15), and the several rods 52 are automatically connected whereb rotation of the upper-most of the rods by applying a wrench or other tool provided with a key fitting keyway 84 causes rotation of gear 53, thus moving the spray gun support outwardly or inwardly from the housing G5, to conform with the contour of the surface being treated, for example, the hull portion of a ship.

viewof the arrangement used to raise the surface treatment means assembly after the painting operation has been completed, that is to say, after the sections 2.9 have been projected from the magazine and the surface treatment means assembly is in itslowermost, position. The face 85 of each of the unitary support sections (Fig. l), is provided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures 87 adapted to receive the teeth 88 of a star wheel 89. The star wheel is mounted upon a suitable shaft 90 adapted to be rotated through themedium of gears 9f, 92 and 93, the latter gear being mounted upon a shaft-94 associated witha source of power, not shown. When it is desired to raise the surface treatment means support sections, power is applied to shaft 94 and through the medium of star wheel 89, which engages with the apertures 87., the extensions are i moved upwardly to a position at which they may A bracket 3'5 comprising spaced inwardly Referring to Fig. 3, there is shown a detailed be manually disconnected one fromthe other and stored in the magazine 28. While the support sections are being so raised, the dog H5 may be rendered inoperative by means of a :U-shaped clip .95, (Fig. 7) adapted to embrace the lower end of the chute '40 and thelowerend of the dog 16 to maintain the upper end 18! thereof withdrawn against the force of the spring 15. This device for raising the sections-2-9 may be supported from the tracks I. v

The predetermined distance the sections 29 are projected each time may readily be varied by changing the number of contactmembers in the trip devicesltfi and 69, and by changing the length of the cam members '80.

In order to control the friction between the extension elements 2-9 and the chute 40 a friction elementiit. (Fig. '7) may be provided in a suitable opening 91 provided in the chute. The friction element is supported on an arm 98 pivotally mounted on the chute 40 and a spring 99 resiliently urges the friction element or block 96 into engagement with the sections 29. The force exertedvby the spring 99 may be made adjustable in any well known manner.

Referring now to Figs. 8 to 17, a modified form of my invention is shown in these figures which differs from the first form of the invention in several particulars. In the first place, the means for moving the carriage back and forth along the 'trackway is different. Also the means for projecting the extensible section members is different, and, in addition, the extensible section members are differently constructed in that each is provided with two rotatable shafts mounted therein whereby the surface treatment means assembly may be provided with rotational movement throughout 360 :or more in addition to thev movement back and forth of the surface treatment means. 7

Referring now more particularly to Fig. 8, as before, the surface treatment means support arrangement comprises a pair of bars such as I-beams 'HH having. tracks 102 or equivalent means on or attaohedto the top flanged portions 1830f the beams. A carriage designated generally by numeral 104 adapted to be moved lengthwise of the trackway comprises a rectangular member I 05 having legs 41% provided with wheels or rollers vlill adapted to seat in the tracks M12. Movement of the carriage lengthwise .of the trackway is effected .by means of a drive arrangementcomprising a reversely threaded screw {.88 which passes through a nut [09 secured to and depending from the carriage. The screw {-138 is mounted in bearings J99 at each end thereof, said bearings being mounted on transverse brackets I If] extending between and secured tothe tracks iU-i.

A motor'lll is supported adjacent one end of the tracks is! and themo'tor lll through suitable gears Fifi-i2", .3 and H4 drives the screw- I08. From the foregoing it will be obvious that as the motor HI turns the screw I08 in a .singleudirection that th'ecarriage when it reaches each end of its movement lengthwise of the trackway will automatically be returned to the other end thereof.

Attached to the carriage and movable therewith is a housing or magazine designated generally by numeral M5 adapted to contain a .plurality of unitary sup-port sections or members lit. The magazine comprises vertical side members 1-H and i it having, top and bottom channel members 1 1-9. and E20 respectively secured thereto.

a owed The magazine is rigidly attached to the carriage I04 by means of brackets I2I and I22, brace I23 and braces I24. In order to prevent accidental tipping of the carriage due to the weight of the magazine II5, wheels or rollers I25 attached to brackets I26 are provided. The rollers I25 as shown are adapted to ride on the overhanging top flange portion of the inner beam. In the vicinity of the lower end of the vertical member II8 the base of the channel member I20 is inclined downwardly as indicated at I2'I (see also Fig..14) and thence cut away or terminated at an opening I28 provided in the rectangular member I of the carriage. The opening I28 registers with a chute member I29 supported by the carriage through which the support units I I6 are projected as will be described hereinafter. The chute member I29 is secured to member I05 of the carriage as by means of brackets I30 (Fig. 12) and rivets, bolts, or the like.

Referring to Fig. 9 the surface treatment means assembly comprises in this instance a spray gun designated generally by numeral I3I, pivotally mounted as at I32 to member I33 attached to a bar I34 adapted for sliding movement in a housing or casing I35. The housing I35 is supported by and rotatably connected with a vertical hollow member I36 by means of collars I31, I38, I39, and I40. Braces IIII connect the collar I31 with the housing I35 and braces I42 connect the collar I39 with the housing I35. Referring also to Figs. and 11 it will be noted that the collar I38 is rigidly secured to the rectangular hollow member I36 and that the collar I3? is rotatably mounted on the collar I38. The collar I3'I has an upward. extension I43 provided with apertures I44 defining a gear, the function of which will be more fully described. The collar I39 has a radially inwardly directed upper flange I45 which rests upon the upper face of the collar I48 which is rigidly secured to the member I36 and thus supports the housing I35 and its associated structure. Rotatably mounted in the member I36 is a shaft I46 having a'gear I41 keyed to its lower end adapted for engagement with a rack I48 or the like projecting from the casing I35 through an elongated slot I49 and secured to the bar I34. It will thus be seen that as in the first modification when the gear M1 is rotated, rack I48 and bar I44 to which the spray gun I3I or other surface treatment device is attached moves lengthwise of the casing I35. Additional sections I50 may be added as desired in the manner described above in connection with the first form of the invention.

Referring now more particularly to Figs. and 16 it will be seen that the support members H6 each comprises a rectangular housing I5I in which a pair of shafts I52 and I52 are rotatably mounted. The shafts I52 and I52 are identical in construction with the shafts 52 and are similarly supported in the housing I5I. The shafts I52 and I52 are provided with thrust bearing collars I53 adjacent each end thereof and outwardly of the collars I53 in the casing I5I bearing plates I54 are provided. The bearing plates may be secured to the housing I5I by means of screws I55. Each end of each shaft I52 and I52 is provided with a clutch element I56 and it will be noted that the clutch elements I56 are so terminated relative to the ends of the housing I5I as to engage corresponding clutch elements of superposed telescoping sections H6, and the clutch element I56 of the lowermost shaft I52 engages a similar clutch element pro- 10 vided at the upper end of the shaft I46. The upperend of each of the sections H6 is inwardly ofiset as indicated at I51 and spring hooks I58 (Fig. 8) are provided on opposed sides of the housing I5I. One wall I59 of each housing I5I is provided with two parallel series of apertures I60 and this wall I59 adjacent its bottom is also provided with two spaced apertures I6I adapted to receive the spring hooks I58. The wall I62 of the housing I5I opposite the wall I59 is similarly provided with the apertures IBI. In addition, the wall I62 is also provided with a series of spaced rectangular apertures I63 for a purpose to be later described.

The lowermost of the sections II6 (Fig. 9) differs slightly in construction from the other sections in that the shaft I52 (Fig. 9) is extended and provided with a gear I64 adapted to co-act with the apertures I44 whereby a wrench or other tool having a key adapted to be inserted in the keyways I65 provided in the upper ends of the shafts I52, may be inserted in the uppermost such keyway to rotate the paint spray I3I, housing I35, braces MI and I42 through 360 or more. Similarily, a wrench or other tool having a key adapted to be inserted in the keyways I65 provided in the upper ends of the shafts I52, may be inserted in the uppermost such keyway to actuate the gear I I-I and rack I48 to move the paint spray back and forth as described previously in connection with the first form of the invention.

Referring to Figs. 8 and 9 the surface treatment means assembly is supported in operative position by inserting housing I36 in the lowermost section member I I6 supported in or by the chute 40. When member I36 is thus positioned, the spring hooks I66 seat in apertures I6I. Y

As previously described in connection with the first form of the invention the magazine H5 is designed to contain a plurality of unitary support members H6 and when the carriage is caused to move lengthwise of the trackway the support sections are advanced a predetermined distance of the magazine I I 5 in the direction of the inclined surface I2? and the opening I28 leading to the chute I29 by means of a feed screw 82 actuated by a trip member 63 mounted on the trackway, exactly as described in connection with the first form of the invention.

It is pointed out here that the inclined surface I21 of the channel 520 as well as the inclined surface 33' of the channel 33 functions in an obvious manner to prevent jamming of the unitary support sections before it is time for a section to be fed into its respective chute. Thus as one section is moved along its respective chute until such time as it slides down the inclined surface of the channel member, the preceding section has been fed downwardly to such point within its respective chute that it is ready to receive such next succeeding section. In this manner no jamming of the sections in the magazines occurs and it is obvious, of course, that the operation of the screw 52 is so regulated as to correspond with the downward projecting movement of the sections.

When the members 65 and the pusher bar 64 have reached the end of their inward movement they may be returned to their outermost positions by means of a crank 62.

Referring to Figs. 8, 12, 13 and 17,. the means to project a support section I I6 from the housin or chute I29 comprises a support Iii? secured to the lower end portion of the chute I29. Spaced bearings I68 are mounted upon the support I67 and a tubular shaft I69 is rotatably mounted in imasan said bearings. The shaft I69 is relatively short and provided at the ends thereof 'withclu'tch elements 119 and I19 rigidly connected thereto. Spaced star wheels III are secured to the shaft I69 substantially centrally thereof, and the teeth I12 of the star wheels project through an opening I13 provided in the chute I29 to engage the apertures I69 provided in the support sections I I6.

An elongate shaft I'M extends through and is rotatable relative to the tubular shaft 169. 'The shaft 114 is rotatably mounted in bearings I15 and I16 supported at opposite ends of the tracks IIlI' on supports I11 and I18 depending from and secured to one of the tracks IIII. At'poi-nts 'adjacent the ends-of the shaft I14, clutch elements 119, I19 are slidably mounted thereon. The clutch elements I19, I19 are identical in 'construction and each is keyed to the shaft I M by .means of an elongate key I80 (Fig. 17). which also functions to limit the inward movement of said clutch elements by engaging a shoulder I81 provided at the outer ends of the keyways' I92. Coil springs I83, I83 surround the shaft 114 between the innermost bearings I15, I 16 and'clutch elements I19, I19 respectively, and said springs normally urge theclutc'h elements I19, I19 inwardly of the shaft I14.

The shaft I14 is driven by the motor I -II through shaft I 84 on which gears H2, 3 are mounted, by extending the same downwardly, bevel'gear I85 connected to shaft I64 by a universal joint I86, bevel gear I81 meshing withgear I85 andkeyed to a shaft I89 rotatably mounted in support I11 and an additional-support I89 depending from a track IEII, sprocket wheel I 89 on the outer end of shaft I96, sprocket wheel I96 keyed to the shaft I14 between the bearings I 15, and chain I9I trained over sprocket wheels I89 and I90. 1

As stated above, the teeth I12 in the star wheels I-1I engage the apertures I69 provided in the sup- 7 port sections H6, and thus when the carriage support sections II6 upwardly if desired, for example, after the surface treating operation is completed, each of said sections being manually disconnected from the one therebelow as it is fed into the magazine, and may be stored therein.

Means are provided to check the downward drop of the support section H6 in the chute I29 after it has been advanced as above described comprising a dog I92 pivotally mounted upon bracket I93 attached to the chute. end of the dog I92 is spring'pressed outwardly by means of a coil spring I94 supported by a pin I95 connected to the chute I29 and rigidlyconnected to the dog I92 is an outwardly directed arm I96. A wheel I91 rotatably mounted in a bracket I 98 provided with a supporting "block I99 is supported upon the outer end of the arm I96. The bracket I98 is adjustably secured to the :arm I 96 by means of a bolt 299 threaded into the block I99 and a lock nut 26 I. It will be notedthat The lower.

12 the Wheel T I91 is not pivotally 3 mounted. As theforahowever, the wheel I91 is arranged to contact a cam extension 292 associated with each end portion of one of the beams I III. The end portion 2030f the pivotally mounted member I92 is adapted to seat inone of the plurality of recesses 163 formed in the face I62 of each of the support sections H6 and spring I9 normally urges the end portion 293 to seating position.

The cam members :2 92 are supported by means of paired, spaced depending supports 294 preferably eremovably and-adjustably secured along and to-one of the I-beams I-III An 'I-beam 2.96 is secured to the lower ends of each-pair of members 294 and the cam 292 is secured :to the .I-beam 205 Ein'any suitable manner.

From the foregoing it'willrbepbviousthat as'the carriage I04 approaches the vicinity of each end of .its movement the cam .292 will engage the wheel I91 to withdraw the dog I92 from the aperture (I 63. At substantially the same time that this action is taking place clutch elements I19 and .1 19 I01 :I19 and 119 will engage to advance the section I?I:.6by means :of the star Wheels I1I as previously described. After the direction of movement of the carriage is reversed, the clutch elements Will'becomedisengaged, and the dog I92 through .the spring I96 will again "engage in an {aperture .163.

.ln'theioperationof this 'form of the device when the motor III is operated, carriage III I through .themediumof thereversible screw I98 is moved back and forth-lengthwise of the trackway (Fig. 18)., wheel I 99 ishcammed downwardly by the cam :2102'towithdraw the dog I92 from an aperture I63 and :clutch element :I1Il' engages clutch element 1.119" moving clutchielement I19" outwardly along thGfShflfll 'I'III againstthe force of the spring I83. i-The :direction :of movement of the carriage is shortly "thereafter reversed and the clutch element I119 is then moved inwardly by spring I83 -to maintain its engagement with clutch element IIIVuntil thelimit of its inward travel is reached. At this point wheel I99 moves back off cam 292 and dog ;I-92-engages'another aperture I63. Durring the time that the clutch elements I16 and Z1519 :are engaged .the section element H6 in the .chute I29 will be lowered a predetermined distance due to rotation of the shaft I69 and the star-wheels "I.

A .similar action takes place at the other end .of the gtrackway at which time the support sec- *tion H6 is again lowered a predetermined dis- Itance. After the carriage I94 has moved from right to left and from left to right several times, the section I I6 will be dropped substantially throughout its length and ifadditional length is required for the surface treatment means support, another-section H6 is added so that a more distant surface can be reached by the surface treatment means. The additional extension :member H6 is added automatically due to the fact that it has been moved by the arm 69" to a position whereby it will slide down the incline I21 and the "lower end thereof automatically slides .over the reduced upper end portion I51 of the lower, adjacent extension member and becomes -;connected therewith by the spring hooks I58. A bracket 266 is provided substantially midway of the member III! which aids in guiding the :sliding movement of the support sections II 6 down the incline I21.

The predetermined distance the sections II 6 :are projected in the chute I29 may be readily in this form of the invention the support I 98 for varied-:by-varying the innermost positions of the clutch elements I19 and I19 on the shaft I14, corresponding changes being made with respect to the positions of the cam elements 202 along the trackway and the number of contact members in the trip mechanism 63. The innermost positions of the clutch elements I19 and I19 may be varied, for example, by moving the keys I89 from one position to another in the keyway provided therefor in the shaft I14, 01' by substituting keys having different lengths.

Referring again to Fig. 12 it will be noted that the chute I29 is provided with a friction means to regulate the friction exerted upon the section IIB therein comprising as before a block 296 carried by an arm 201 pivotally mounted on the chute by means of a bracket 298 and forced inwardly through a suitable aperture 299 in the chute by means of a coil spring 2H).

Means are provided to support the entire apparatus including the tracks comprising bracket or clamp members 2| I secured to suitable brackets 2I2 which are in turn suitably secured to and supported by the tracks NH. The clamp members 2 preferably comprise telescopic members whereby the lengths thereof may be adjusted and in the form of the invention chosen for illustration are particularly adapted to be secured to means such as rails or the like. Additional supports may be provided in the form of telescoping members 2I3 provided at their outer ends with rollers 2I4 adapted to contact the surface of the wall being treated. The members 2I3 are also suitably supported from the tracks IIII by means of supports 2I5.

It will of course be understood that in the use of both forms of my invention the tracks will be supported generally in overhanging relationship to the surface being treated. Variations in the curvature of such surfaces below the tracks may make it desirable or necessary to either move the surface treatment means inwardly or outwardly relative to such surface. The rack 54 and gear 53 or rack I48 and gear I41 make it possible for the surface treatment means to be so moved. Sometimes it may be desirable to lower the surface treatment means itself below an outwardly projecting or bulging surface to apply treatment therebelow and in such event in the second form of my apparatus the surface treatment means may be rotated through 90, for example, whereby such bulging portion of the surface may be passed. In addition, the rotational feature of the second form of my invention may be of value in treating relatively short laterally extending sur' faces.

In many instances the decks of ships and the tops of buildings are not provided with rails or other means suitable for the support of my device. In such event a support such as disclosed in Fig. 18, for example, may be used. The support disclosed in Fig. 18 comprises two trapeziform end members 2H5 and 2I1 provided with a plurality of inwardly extending telescoping members 2|8 and 2I9 respectively. At each corner of the base of the structure wheels or casters 220 may be provided. It will be obvious that the members 2II (Fig. 8) or the members 21 (Fig. 2) may be utilized to secure either of my devices to this support means.

Fig. 19 illustrates another support means which may be utilized to support my device when other suitable means are not provided. The support 22I comprises a base member 222 movably mounted on wheels or casters 223, a vertical framework 224 secured to the rear ofthe base 14 member 222, and an upper framework'225p'rojecting forwardly of the framework 224. A hook 226 is provided at the forward end of the framework 225 and a cable, hoist or other means may be supported by the hook 226 and connected to the track structure in any suitable manner. The

broken lines indicate how the device A (illus trated diagrammatically) may be supported by a cable 226.

Figs. 20 and 21 illustrate another manner in which my device A (illustrated diagrammatically) may be utilized in treating either outwardly or inwardly curved surfaces. In utilizing my device as illustrated in these figures, spaced tracks 221 are secured to the surface to be treated and in the form illustrated the tracks 221 are T-shaped in cross section although other shapes might be used. In utilizing the tracks 221 a roller structure is substituted for the clamps 2I I. The roller structure is illustrated in Fig. 21 and comprises a tubular member 228 and a member 229 connected thereto by means of a knuckle or universal joint. Bifurcated members 239 are connected to the member 229 and the members 230 have inwardly directed ends provided with rollers 23I which engage the flange of the T-shaped member 221. The surface treatment apparatus may be supported by means of the Wheeled support 232 and a cable 233 may be connected to a hoist 234 or the like which can lower or raise the surface treatment apparatus as desired.

In utilizing my apparatus in the manner disclosed in Fig. 20 it will not usually be desirable to lower the support sections 29 or H6, although they may be lowered if desired. In the first form of my invention this operation may be eliminated by removing the trip mechanism 69, and in the second form of my invention this lowering operation may be omitted by moving the clutch elements I19 and I19 outwardly and securing the same in such a position that they will not engage the clutch elements I10 and I10.

Although in the foregoing disclosure of my apparatus specific reference has been made to a painting apparatus and paint spray means has been specifically illustrated in the drawing, it is to be clearly understood that for the paint spray means 4| or I3I, I may substitute a sand blasting device, a steam cleaning device, a chipping device, rotatable brush means or the like, and perform in addition to painting, any one or more of these additional surface treatment operations on ships, buildings and the like, on vertical surfaces, curved surfaces, and horizontal surfaces. Additionally, it may be pointed out that although the present disclosure relates primarily to sup porting my device on rail structures, any suitable means may be used to support the track structure and the said track structure may be supported on its side in the treatment of horizontal surfaces such as floors and ceilings. When supported on its side, with the axis of the chute 49 or I29 extending horizontally, the releasable holding means for the sections 29 or I I6: i. e.. the dog 16 or dog I92, are ordinarily unnecessary and may, if desired, be rendered inoperative by the U- shaped clips 95. In a device constructed for the treatment of horizontal surfaces only, the dogs 16, I92 and associated actuating structure might be omitted entirely. It will also be obvious that when the axis of the chute 40 or I29 is extended substantially horizontally that the support sections will not be fed automatically to the chutes. However, they may be fed to the chutes manually as and if required.

From the foregoing I believe that it will be obvious that'I have provided apparatus which will clearly perform .all of the functions set forth earlier herein in the objects of the invention, and it is further pointed out'that the apparatus of the present invention is compact, light, can be readily assembled or disassembled, can be conveniently stored or shipped, and when started in operation it may operate automatically to perform the desired surf-ace :operation with a minimum of expense.

While I have shown and described the preferred embodiments of my invention it is to be understood z-that Ido not confine myself to the precise details of construction herein asset forth by way of illustration, as it is apparent that many changes-and variations may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

This application is a continuation-inpart of my copending application, Serial No. 737,841, filed March 28, '1947.

I claim:

1, In a surface treatment means support arrangement, the combination comprising a trackway, a carriage on said trackway, motor means for moving said carriage back and forth along said trackway, a housing secured to said carriage, an elongate support section in said housing, automatic means for projecting said support section a predetermined distance outwardly ofsaid housing, means for actuating said projecting means responsive to the movement of the carriage on the trackway and operative when the carriage'is in the vicinity of each-end of its movement back and forth along the trackway, and a support for rangement, the combination comprising a track-- way, a carriage on said trackway, means for moving said carriage back and forth along said trackway, 'a housing secured to said carriage, a hollow support section insaid housing, means for projecting said support section'a predetermined distance outwardly of said housing, an elongate support for surface treatment means carried by said support section, and means including a shaft rotatably mounted in said support section for moving said treatment means support in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said support section.

3. In a surface treatment means support arrangement, thecombination comprising a trackway, a carriage on said 'trackway, means for moving said carriage back and forth along said trackway, a housing secured to said carriage, a hollow support section in said housing, means for projecting said support section a predetermined distance outwardly of said housing, an elongate support for surface treatment means carried by said support section, and means including a shaft rotatably mounted in said support section for rotating said treatment means support about the 'longiudinal axis of said support section.

4. In a surface treatment means support arrangement, the combination comprising a trackway, a carriage on saidtrackway, means for moving said carriage back-and forth along said trackway, a housing secured to said carriage, a hollow support section in said housing, means for projecting said support section a predetermined distance outwardly of saidhousing, an elongate support for surface treatment means carried by said support section, and means including a pair of 16 shafts rotatably mounted in said support section for moving said treatment means support in a directionsubstantially perpendicular to the axis of said support section and in rotation about said axis.

5. In a surface treatment means support arrangement, the combination comprising a trackway, a carriage on said trackway, motor means for moving said carriage back and forth along said trackway, a housing secured to said carriage, an elongate support section in said housing, a series-of apertures insaid support section, automatic means including a star wheel in engagement with said apertures for projecting said support section a predetermined distance outwardly of said housing, means for actuating said projecting means responsive to the movement of the carriage on the trackway and operative when the carriage is in the vicinity of each end of its movement back and forth along the trackway, and a support for surface treatment means carried by said support section.

6. In a surface treatment means support arrangementythe combination comprising a trackway, a carriage on said trackway, means for moving said carriageback and forth along said trackway, achute secured to said carriage, an elongate support section in said chute, releasable means for holding said support section in said chute, means for projectingsaid support section a predetermined distance outwardly of said chute, means for releasing said holding means while said projecting means is functioning, and a sup port for surface treatment means carried by said support section.

7. In a surface treatment means support arrangement, the combination comprising a trackway, a carriage on said trackway, means for moving said carriage backand forth along said track- Way, a chute secured to said carriage, a hollow support section in said chute, releasable means for holding said support section in said chute, means for projecting said support section a predetermined distance outwardly of said chute, means releasing said holding means while said projecting means is functioning, an elongate support for'surface treatment means carried by said support section, and means including a shaft rotatably mounted in said support section for moving said treatment means support in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said support section.

8. In a surface treatment means support arrangement, the combination comprising a trackway, a carriage on said trackway, means for moving said carriage back and forth along said trackway, a chute secured to said carriage, a hollow support section in said chute, releasable means for holding said support section in said chute, means for projecting said support section a predetermined distance outwardly of said chute, means releasing said holding means while said projecting means is functioning, an elongate support for surface treatment means carried by said support section, and means including a shaft rotatably mounted in said support section for rotating said treatment means support about the longitudinal axis of said support section.

9. In a surface treatment means support arrangement, the combination comprising a trackway, a carriage on said trackway, means for moving said carriage back and forth along said trackway, a chute secured to said carriage, a hollow support section in said chute, releasable means for holding said support section in said chute, means forprojecting said'support section a: predetermined distance" outwardly: of said chute, means releasing said'lhol'ding' means while said projecting means isf'unctioning', an elongate su'pp'ortfor surface treatment means carried by said support- In a-surface treatment means support arrangement, the combination comprisinga" trackway, a car-riage on saidtrack-way, meansf'ormovingsaid carriage back and fo'rth along said ftrack way,a chute secured to-said carriage, an elongate carriage with itsupper end-m communication with saidinclined end portion or said magazine,

' a pluralityof hollow support sections in. said magazine; means ror'mpving' said supportsections n sa'i'dniagazine toward'said'inclinedf end crtien anu' into-qp rative p'os tmn-"m said chute,

"releasablemans'for holding said support sections I in said chute; means for" projecting a support supportsection insaid "chute, a series-"of apertures'in said support section-releasable means for holding said support section-in said chute; means including astar wheel in engagement withsaid apertures for projecting'said support section a predetermined distance outwardly of said chute, means for releasing said holdi'ng means while said projectingmeans is functioning, and a' su'pp'ort for surface treatment means carried by said support section.

11. In a surface treatment means support arrangement, the combination comprising a trackway, a carriage on said trackway, means for moving said carriage back and forth along said trackway, a magazine for a plurality of support. sections supported by said carriage, a housing secured to said carriage with one end thereof in communication with said magazine whereby said support sections may be movedinto operative position in said housing, means for projecting a support section in said housing a predetermined distance outwardly thereof, co-acting means on said support sections automatically connecting the same to each other as they are moved into said housing, anda support for surface treatment means carried by the support sections in operative position.

12. In a surface treatment means support arrangement, the combination comprising a trackway, a carriage on said trackway, means for moving said carriage back and forth along said trackway, a magazine for a plurality of support sections supported by said carriage, said magazine comprising a lower channel member having an inclined end portion, a chute secured to said carriage with its upper end in communication with said inclined end portion of said magazine, a plurality of support sections in said magazine,

means for moving said support sections in said magazine toward said inclined end portion and into operative position in said chute, releasable means for holding said support sections in said chute, means for projecting a support section in I said chute a predetermined distance outwardly thereof, means releasing said holding means while said projecting means is functioning, coacting means on said support sections automatically connecting the same to each other as they are moved into said chute, and a support for surface treatment means carried by the support sections in operative position.

13. In a surface treatment means support arrangement, the combination comprising a trackway, a carriage on said trackway, means for moving said carriage back and forth along said trackway, a magazine for a plurality of support sections supported by said carriage, said magazine comprising a lower channel member having an inclined end portion, a chute secured to said section in" said" chute a predetermined distance outwardly thereof, means releasing said holding nieaiis'while' said projecting means is functioning, co-acting means on said support section's auto- 'maticailly connecting the aine toeach other as tneyure moved into said chute, a' support for surface treatment means carried by the support sections in operative" positionand" means including a shaft rotatably mounted inv each of said supportsectionsformoving saidtreatment'means support" in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis" of the support sections in operative position.

14. Ina surface treatment means support arrangement, the combination" comprising a trackway;a carriage on said'tracl iway', means'fbr moving said carriage back and forth along said trackway, a magazine for a plurality of support sections supported by said carriage, said magazine comprising a lower channel member having an inclined end portion, a chute secured to said carriage with its upper end in communication with said inclined end portion of said magazine, a plurality of hollow support sections in said magazine, means for moving said'support sections in said magazine toward said inclined end portion and into the operative position in said chute, releasable means for holding said support sections in said chute, means for projecting a support section in said chute a predetermined distance outwardly thereof, means releasing said holding means while said projecting means is functioning, co-acting means on said support sections automatically connecting the same to each other as they are moved into said chute, a support for surface treatment means carried by the support sections in operative position, and means including a shaft rotatably mounted in each of said support sections for rotating said treatment means,

support about the longitudinal axis of the support sections in operative position.

15. In a surface treatment means support arrangement, the combination comprising a trackway, a carriage on said trackway, means for moving said carriage back and forth along said trackway, a magazine for a plurality of support sections supported by said carriage, said magazine comprising a lower channel member having an in clined end portion, a chute secured to said carriage with its upper end in communication with said inclined end portion of said magazine, a plurality of hollow support sections in said magazine, means for moving said support sections in said magazine toward said inclined end portion and into operative position in said chute, means for projecting a support section in said chute a predetermined distance outwardly thereof, means releasing said holding means while said project ing means is functioning, co-acting means on said support sections automatically connecting the same to each other as they are moved into said chute, a support for surface treatment means carried by the support sections in operative posi-' dinal axis of the support sections in operative position and in rotation about said axis.

16. In a surface treatment means support arrangement, the combination comprising a trackway, a carriage on said trackway, means for moving said carriage back and forth along said trackway, a magazine for a plurality of support sections supported by said carriage, said magazine comprising a lower channel member having an inclined end portion, a chute secured to said carriage with its upper end in communication with said inclined end portion of said magazine, a plurality of supportsections in said magazine, a series of apertures in each of said support sections, means for moving said support sections in said magazine toward said inclinedend portion and into operative position in said chute, releasable means for holding said support sections in said chute, means including a star wheel in engagement with said apertures for projecting a support section in saidchute a predetermined distance outwardly thereof; means releasing said holding means while said projecting means is functioning, coacting means on said support sections automatically connecting the sameto each other as they are moved into said 'chute, and a support for surface treatment means carried by the support sections in operative position.

STEPHEN P. CHAPPEN.

REFERENCES CITED The following-references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

